Bowl of creamy turkey pumpkin chili garnished with herbs.

Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili is a perfect dish for anyone looking to combine flavors in a warm and hearty meal. This recipe mixes the savory taste of turkey with the creamy sweetness of pumpkin and tangy beans, making it a nutritious and filling option. It’s great for gatherings, cozy dinners, or a family weekday meal. Plus, it’s packed with veggies and spices that make it both delicious and healthy!

How to Make Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili

This creamy turkey pumpkin chili is easy to make and takes only around 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish. Follow the simple steps below to prepare this tasty dish for your family or guests.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper or cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage, chopped
  • 1 15-ounce can unsweetened pumpkin purée
  • 2 15-ounce cans beans (cannellini, navy, or pinto), drained
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic, coriander, paprika, cumin, red pepper, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
  5. Stir in the fresh herbs and pumpkin purée, mixing well to combine.
  6. Add the drained beans and chicken broth; stir to combine and season with salt.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream right before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili

You can serve this chili in bowls and garnish it with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if you like. It’s great on its own or accompanied by crusty bread or corn muffins. Enjoy it warm!

How to Store Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili

  • For extra flavor, let the chili sit for a day if possible; the flavors will develop even more.
  • If you like it spicier, you can add more crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper.
  • Feel free to experiment with different beans to find your favorite combination.

Variation

You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or even a meat substitute if you prefer a vegetarian option. Using different beans or adding corn can give this chili a special twist too!

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin purée?
Yes, canned pumpkin is the same as pumpkin purée, and it will work perfectly for this recipe.

Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Just make sure the chicken broth you use is also gluten-free.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook everything in a slow cooker. Just brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables first, then add them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for about 6-8 hours.

Print

Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili

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A warm and hearty turkey chili with creamy pumpkin and beans, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

  • Author: isabella-reed
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper or cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage, chopped
  • 1 15-ounce can unsweetened pumpkin purée
  • 2 15-ounce cans beans (cannellini, navy, or pinto), drained
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic, coriander, paprika, cumin, red pepper, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
  5. Stir in the fresh herbs and pumpkin purée, mixing well to combine.
  6. Add the drained beans and chicken broth; stir to combine and season with salt.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream right before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chili sit for a day if possible; the flavors will develop even more.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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